Find hotels in Dachsen: Rhine Falls and local history

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Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

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Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Those choosing Dachsen for a stay can explore the nearby Rhine Falls, the river bathing area and local history as different highlights. The town lies in the Zurich Wine Country between the Cholfirst ridge and the Rhine; the Rhine Falls are also very close by. Dachsen is a political municipality in the Andelfingen district of the canton of Zurich. Its setting combines a distinctive river landscape with historical landmarks, from Chilchli chapel to the castle.

Between the Rhine Falls and Wine Country

Here, the Rhine has carved deep into a glacial gravel plain. The plain and the incised river course thus form two sides of the same landscape. Grapes ripen on Dachsen’s southern slope, across around 2 hectares. Alongside the Rhine and the Cholfirst ridge, this gives the town’s location in the Zurich Wine Country a tangible connection to viticulture. Those looking to understand Dachsen through its landscape will find both the river’s geological imprint and a connection to wine country.

Swimming and exploring by the water

Dachsen’s Badi includes a river bathing area on the Rhine as well as additional swimming and paddling pools. There is also a two-metre-high diving platform into the Rhine. The river bathing area, pools and diving platform are distinct features of the swimming facilities. The Badi in Bachdelle is an 11-minute walk from Dachsen railway station; this walking time is useful when planning a train journey. Another perspective is offered by the circular trail around the Rhine Falls, which is also accessible by wheelchair or with a pushchair.

Castle, chapel and historical milestones

Laufen Castle at the Rhine Falls in Dachsen is a medieval castle built on a cliff, right beside the falls. The Historama presents the castle’s history, which spans more than a thousand years. The Känzeli viewing platform is directly above the thundering Rhine Falls and is accessed via Laufen Castle. The Historama and Känzeli offer different highlights: one focuses on the castle’s history, the other on views of the waterfall.

Chilchli chapel also offers a window into local history: the Reformed chapel in Dachsen is one of the many branch churches of the parish church of St Hilarius in Laufen. A bell hanging in the tower bears the year 1553. The history of the Zehntechäller dates back to the 12th century. The Historama presents a long historical span, while the bell dated 1553 and the Zehntechäller, whose history reaches back to the 12th century, provide further historical milestones.

Rail connections and hiking

The S12 runs directly from Zurich HB to the «Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall» stop; check the current timetable before travelling. For the Badi, however, Dachsen railway station is the starting point for the 11-minute walk. A section of the ViaRhenana passes by the Rheinau power station and the village of Dachsen. The rail connection, the walk to the Badi and this section of the ViaRhenana offer different planning options: arriving at the stop by the castle, visiting the river bathing area or hiking along the route.

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Discover more destinations

Feuerthalen, Rheinau, Berg am Irchel, Flaach, Humlikon, Ossingen, Dorf, Laufen-Uhwiesen

For the main travel overview: Andelfingen.